Just got this enfield and I can't seem to figure out what the make is... there aren't many markings on the gun, well not as elaborate as what i've seen online. It says No 4 Mk1, but its not stamped it looks electro-penciled.. but ill post some pics if anyone can help with the ID..

Different rebuild practices. US arsenals and depots tried to retain the original factory markings and serial numbers if possible. The British didn't care; they just ground everything off and re-marked the guns using electric pencil.

Isn't it unusual that there are no markings on the receiver... well no original looking markings..

The original marking is the letter "B". During World War II, the British used obscure markings to disguise the location of manufacture of the parts. I'm not sure why, perhaps they thought the Germans would be able to identify where the parts were made and bomb the factory. Anyway, the one you have posted has the extremely common and well documented "B", meaning it was made by BSA in Birmingham, England in 1943. The "No. 4 Mark 1" marking is original. Assuming the bore is bright and has no pitting, you have a very nice BSA that should shoot very well.

If you doubt the that the markings are original, how much would you like for the rifle?

SwampYankee:
I dont think ill be selling this rifle. It just seemed off because a friend of mine has a longbranch, and it is clearly marked, so I wanted to get some more info.. And I must say, as its my first time on a forum, You guys have been very helpful. and as far as this gun shooting well, I will find out this weekend.

I was under the impression that BSA made No. 4 rifles only at Shirley and that they used the code M47C. The other makers were ROF(Fazakerley), ROF(Maltby), Long Branch (Canada) and Savage (U.S.). If I am wrong, I would appreciate correction.

Yes, the Shirley rifles were marked M47C but they also made rifles at the other factory and those were marked "B". They had other factories also doing small parts work and those factories used other M47 codes.

As I mentioned, the British commonly used these obscure marks and had dozens (if not hundreds) of suppliers for many of the different parts. You can even find BSA rifles with ROF parts on them. Longbranch was the Canadian manufacturer and their rifles are very clearly marked as such.

This email link is to reach site administrators for assistance, if you cannot access TFL via other means. If you are a TFL member and can access TFL, please do not use this link; instead, use the forums (like Questions, Suggestions, and Tech Support) or PM an appropriate mod or admin.

If you are experiencing difficulties posting in the Buy/Sell/Trade subforums of TFL, please read the "sticky" announcement threads at the top of the applicable subforum. If you still feel you are qualified to post in those subforums, please contact "Shane Tuttle" (the mod for that portion of TFL) via Private Message for assistance.

This email contact address is not an "Ask the Firearms Expert" service. Such emails will be ignored. If you have a firearm related question, please register and post it on the forums.